… are just a selection of the noted and notorious whose words feature in this hand-picked and up-to-date smorgasbord of New Zealand quotations. Compiler Jim Weir has a magpie’s eye for the bon mot, whether from a celebrated humorist (‘Every party you have ever attended: dull people talking about the weather and thinking about sex’ —Joe Bennett) or a post-quake Christchurch resident (‘I now have a nervous pee every hour’ —Trevor Evans).

§ The perfect stocking stuffer and holiday read for anyone who enjoys wit and humour, popular culture and the media.

§ Ideal source material for public speakers and speech-writers.My favourite of the many that made me chortle is from Patrick Evans:The publishing world lives on a different planet.

Jim Weir is a former New Zealand ambassador to Moscow, Rome, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. He is the author of Letters from Moscow (1989), an account of his time in Russia, and Eat, Drink and Be Wary (2011), a memoir of his diplomat days. He has compiled two previous books of quotations: New Zealand Wit & Wisdom (Tandem Press, 1998) and Strong Language (New Holland, 2007).

Footnote:

It is with regret that New Holland Publishers announce the recent passing of cherished author Jim Weir. In his last weeks’ Jim finalised the index details for his new book, published this month. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, Quotable New Zealand Quotesis Jim’s third collection of quotes, and serves as a lasting tribute to his full and varied life.